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🏔️ Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir — From Sikh Rule to Integration with India

    

Jammu and Kashmir, often praised as India’s “crown,” is celebrated for its mountains, lakes, and valleys. Yet, its modern past tells a very different story — one of invasions, dynastic power, emerging political consciousness, and the crucial decision of 1947 that tied it to the Indian Union.

🏰 Sikh Dominion (1819–1846): A Change with New Hardships

Before the Sikhs entered, the region was ruled by Afghans (1752–1819), whose rule was marked by relentless taxation and cruelty. In 1819, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army ended Afghan dominance, bringing Kashmir under Sikh authority.

The Sikh authorities restored order, but their officials ruled with severity. Taxes remained heavy, and restrictions on religious practices, especially affecting Muslims, caused deep resentment. Though peace replaced chaos, public frustration lingered.

📜 Treaty of Amritsar (1846): A New Ruler for Cash

The war between the Sikhs and the British (1845–46) ended with the British taking advantage of Gulab Singh, a Dogra leader from Jammu. By the agreement signed on 16 March 1846, Gulab Singh paid the British a large sum in return for sovereignty over Kashmir.

This deal turned Jammu and Kashmir into a princely state under Dogra leadership. Many at the time criticized the transaction, as it transferred millions of people to a new ruler without their say.

👑 Dogra Era (1846–1947): Progress and Oppression Together

For over a hundred years, the Dogra rulers governed the state, expanding territory while introducing selective reforms.

Gulab Singh (1846–1857): Brought together Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Baltistan, and Gilgit under one political unit.

Ranbir Singh (1857–1885): Established a penal code and promoted classical learning.

Pratap Singh (1885–1925): Improved communication systems like roads, postal links, and telegraphs, but remained under British influence.

Hari Singh (1925–1947): Pushed certain social measures like discouraging child marriage and expanding education, but most peasants — especially Muslims — continued to face economic inequality and political exclusion.

Insight: The Dogras contributed to modernization, but the benefits were unevenly distributed, leaving the majority of subjects dissatisfied.

✊ Rise of Political Consciousness (1930s–1940s)

By the early 20th century, the influence of India’s freedom struggle began to reach Kashmir. People started demanding political representation and social justice.

1931: Protests broke out against the Dogra administration, marking the start of organized opposition.

1932: Sheikh Abdullah, along with his colleagues, established the Muslim Conference to articulate the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

1939: The party was transformed into the National Conference, widening its reach beyond a single community.

The National Conference put forward demands such as land redistribution, representative government, and equality. Sheikh Abdullah quickly rose as the leading figure of the movement, admired for his vision of democratic reform.

📜 1947: The Turning Point

When India was partitioned in August 1947, princely rulers were given three choices: join India, join Pakistan, or attempt independence. Maharaja Hari Singh initially leaned toward staying independent and signed a temporary trade and communication pact with Pakistan.

However, in October 1947, armed groups supported from across the border invaded Kashmir, committing widespread violence. Unable to resist, Hari Singh requested Indian assistance. On 26 October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, officially joining Jammu and Kashmir with India. The following day, Indian soldiers landed in Srinagar, beginning the first war between India and Pakistan.

Outcome: Kashmir became legally part of India, though parts of the state came under Pakistani occupation — a division that remains unresolved.

📊 Timeline at a Glance

1752–1819: Afghan domination — harsh rule, exploitation

1819–1846: Sikh control — order but heavy restrictions

1846: Treaty of Amritsar — Dogra dynasty established

1846–1947: Dogra rule — expansion, reforms, discontent

1931–1939: Mass protests, National Conference takes shape

26 Oct 1947: Accession to India signed

27 Oct 1947: Indian troops deployed; first India–Pakistan war begins

🧭 Conclusion

The modern history of Jammu and Kashmir is shaped by conquest, dynastic rule, social inequalities, and finally, its integration into India. The Sikh takeover ended Afghan misrule but created new problems. The Dogras introduced reforms but kept political power concentrated. The people’s awakening under Sheikh Abdullah reflected growing aspirations for justice and democracy. In 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh’s historic decision reshaped the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir, binding it to the Indian Union.

Even today, Kashmir’s politics and identity continue to be influenced by this historical journey.

❓ FAQs

  

Q1. What was the Treaty of Amritsar?

It was an 1846 agreement that recognized Gulab Singh as ruler of Kashmir after he paid the British, leading to the creation of the princely state.

Q2. Who was the last Dogra king?

Maharaja Hari Singh, who ruled from 1925 until 1947.

Q3. When did Kashmir join India?

On 26 October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, formally linking Kashmir with India.

Q4. What role did Sheikh Abdullah play?

He founded the National Conference, mobilized people for reforms, and became the most influential Kashmiri leader of his time.